Dear Consett Magazine readers,
Welcome to issue one hundred and one.
We’re excited to bring you another magazine filled with local content from in and around Consett.
And remember, we’ve got even more content published daily on consettmagazine.com – so you don’t need to wait until next month to get your fill of positive local news.
With the end of lockdown in sight, April 12th looks to be the next big milestone on the roadmap to freedom. Step 2 will unlock England, although some restrictions were lifted on March 29, many bigger changes are set to come into effect after Easter. The Government announced details of its four-step road map in February and said there would be five weeks between each step. Seven days before each change, there will be an announcement saying whether the latest medical and scientific evidence support a further relaxation of rules. But assuming the criteria is met, then we’re hoping you can go ahead and put Monday April 12 in your diary, as that’s the time when life will hopefully begin to look a bit more normal.
So, What will we be able to do after April 12?
Hairdressers and beauty salons will open, gyms will open their doors again, but users will only be able to use the gym and swimming pool, exercise classes will still be banned. Shops – all non-essential shops can re-open. Restaurants and pubs – these can serve food and drink, but only outdoors. There won’t be a curfew or a requirement to order a “substantial meal”, but customers must order, eat and drink via table service. Outdoor attractions – such as zoos, farms, theme parks and drive-in cinemas can reopen. Libraries and community centres – these can throw open their doors and welcome people back. Children’s classes and activities – these can resume, but with a maximum of just 15 people. Staying overnight – self-catering UK holidays will be allowed, but there is still no mixing of households. Funerals – 30 mourners will be allowed. Weddings – these can happen, but with a maximum of 15 guests.
What lockdown rules will still be in place after April 12?
Many restrictions will still be in place after this date and won’t be lifted until May 17. Holidays – you still can’t travel abroad for leisure and hotels and B&Bs remain closed. Meeting other people – Households are still not allowed to mix and bubbles are only permitted outside, not inside your home. Sport and exercise – no adult indoor sport is allowed. Events – large outdoor events are not yet permitted. Social distancing – the 2 metre rule still applies, as does the wearing of face masks.
When is the next step?
May 17 is Step 3 of the road map when the next big set of restrictions are lifted. These include easing limits on seeing friends and family and the reintroduction of the Rule of Six – where groups of up to six people can meet indoors. Pubs and restaurants can start serving customers indoors, indoor exercise sessions can start again, and hotels and B&Bs can welcome back guests. Up to 30 people will be able to attend events such as weddings, funerals and christenings. Some large scale outdoor performances and sporting events will also be permitted.
We hope you’ll enjoy this month’s magazine, if you have a story you’d like to share or you’d like to feature your business here next month just get in touch.
Best wishes for the month ahead,
Barry Kirkham, Marco Elsy,
and everyone who makes this magazine possible.
*Information correct at time of printing this magazine, restrictions and roadmap subject to change – please visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus for latest UK government information and guidance.
